Key moments
In a dramatic showdown on March 25, 2026, the Florida Panthers edged out the Seattle Kraken with a 5-4 victory in a shootout at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The game was notable not only for its thrilling finish but also for significant milestones achieved by players and coaches on both sides.
The Panthers improved their record to 35-32-3 with this win, while the Kraken continued to struggle, having lost eight of their last ten games. The match began with a strong start from the Panthers, who took a commanding 4-1 lead. However, the Kraken mounted a fierce comeback, scoring three goals in the third period to tie the game and force the shootout.
Key players contributed to the Panthers’ performance, including Sergei Bobrovsky, who made 22 saves throughout the game. On the other side, Joey Daccord recorded 20 saves for the Kraken. Notably, Aaron Ekblad played in his 800th game, all with the Panthers, while Adam Larsson celebrated his 1,000th NHL game with the Kraken. Coach Paul Maurice also marked his 2,000th game behind the bench during this match.
Noah Gregor assisted on Nolan Foote’s goal, which opened the scoring for the Panthers. Despite the initial dominance, the Kraken’s resilience was evident as they clawed their way back into the game, showcasing their determination and skill.
After the game, Eetu Luostarinen reflected on the team’s performance, stating, “I think we played pretty solid until towards the end of it.” Aaron Ekblad expressed his pride in reaching his milestone, saying, “It’s been an amazing, wonderful ride, and I can’t wait to continue it.” Coach Paul Maurice shared his thoughts on his extensive career, remarking, “The next thing you know, you have a couple thousand games in.”
The Panthers will next host the Minnesota Wild, while the Kraken are set to visit the Tampa Bay Lightning. Both teams will be looking to build on their respective performances as the season progresses.
As the NHL season unfolds, the Panthers continue to demonstrate their competitive edge, especially following their back-to-back runs to the Stanley Cup in 2024 and 2025. The Kraken, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find ways to turn their fortunes around in upcoming games.
